Long, S. (2005, December). Improving science instruction. The Science Teacher, 72(9), 10.
Summary: Improving Science Instruction written by Steven Long (Dec 2005), is a commentary written in National Science Teacher’s Association in response to a report made by the National Research Council’s (NRC) America’s Lab Report: Investigations in High School Science. The commentator mentions some key aspects of the report, including the misunderstandings in what defines an effective lab, reasons that labs still remain inadequate in American education, and four main goals students should accomplish when taking part in an effective lab. Long then goes on to further explain the broad definition of what constitutes as a “lab”, asking even though all labs may be relevant to their content if they are all equally effective in aiding students’ education. He then states that budget problems and a lack of students’ science comprehension are also major contributing factors when discussing the inadequacies of labs in American education. Lastly, Long challenges the NRC, science teachers, administrators, parents, and government to discuss and reflect on the issue in hopes of improving science instruction.
Reflection:
Long brings up an important problem in the American education system. As he states, labs are mandatory in many states (if not all) and are a vital part in comprehension. Although he provides numerous contributing factors to this problem, he fails to suggest any solutions to it. This article is very interesting because it was written in 2005, and since then GSE’s have become more commonplace in classrooms helping teachers better define what constitutes as an effective lab. Although this is true, there is still much room for improvement even 5 years after this report made by the NRC. As an aspiring teacher, I think it’s always important to provide students with effective labs because they help students discover their own learning and give them an opportunity to connect real world situations with curriculum by explanation and reflection.
Summary:
Improving Science Instruction written by Steven Long (Dec 2005), is a commentary written in National Science Teacher’s Association in response to a report made by the National Research Council’s (NRC) America’s Lab Report: Investigations in High School Science. The commentator mentions some key aspects of the report, including the misunderstandings in what defines an effective lab, reasons that labs still remain inadequate in American education, and four main goals students should accomplish when taking part in an effective lab. Long then goes on to further explain the broad definition of what constitutes as a “lab”, asking even though all labs may be relevant to their content if they are all equally effective in aiding students’ education. He then states that budget problems and a lack of students’ science comprehension are also major contributing factors when discussing the inadequacies of labs in American education. Lastly, Long challenges the NRC, science teachers, administrators, parents, and government to discuss and reflect on the issue in hopes of improving science instruction.
Reflection:
Long brings up an important problem in the American education system. As he states, labs are mandatory in many states (if not all) and are a vital part in comprehension. Although he provides numerous contributing factors to this problem, he fails to suggest any solutions to it. This article is very interesting because it was written in 2005, and since then GSE’s have become more commonplace in classrooms helping teachers better define what constitutes as an effective lab. Although this is true, there is still much room for improvement even 5 years after this report made by the NRC. As an aspiring teacher, I think it’s always important to provide students with effective labs because they help students discover their own learning and give them an opportunity to connect real world situations with curriculum by explanation and reflection.
http://www3.nsta.org/main/news/stories/science_teacher.php?category_ID=88&news_story_ID=51267